Concert marks comeback for Emilio Navaira, 9/11 commemoration

Richard Castillo never used to wake up thinking about being recognized - he just knew he had to get the job done.

But on Saturday, the constable for Precinct 1 in Victoria and four other area law enforcement and emergency personnel will be honored with plaques, a Tejano concert and dance at the Riverside Multiplex.

Those directly affected by 9/11 will also be recognized.

"It's something I did all my career," said the 54-year-old, who also retired after 20 years of service as a Victoria Fire Department investigator. "It's something we feel passionate about. I never thought about it as something to be honored for."

The night will also be meaningful for musician Emilio Navaira, who is returning to the stage to perform a full concert after he was seriously injured in a tour bus wreck in 2008, said Clara Ramos, who is with Majica, her nonprofit advocacy group who is helping sponsor the event.

Salazar Productions, Majic 95.9FM and Suddenlink are helping put on the concert, she said.

Also performing Saturday night will be Solido and Llueve, other Tejano bands.

Ramos has seen Navaira perform a small set at the Poteet Strawberry Festival and the reaction he received was instantaneous.

The same will happen in Victoria for both him, the other two bands and the honorees, she said.

"When he went up on stage, the crowd went crazy," she said. "We want the support of the community to show them (the honorees) how much we appreciate them."

Ramos expects anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people to attend, she said.

She said she has heard a lot of excitement from fans in the community, but the night is also important for the honorees, and that shouldn't go overlooked.

"I think this is one positive thing that would really come out of our community," she said.

A sixth person also will be honored, but that is a surprise and won't be known until Saturday night, Ramos said.

There were 33 people nominated for this year's concert and honor celebration, she added.

Ramos said she hopes this will be the first of many concerts honoring local heroes.

Castillo is just one of the six.

"When it does happen, it feels good," Castillo said of being selected.